# Heaven Lake (Tianchi) (天池)

Changbai Mountain, Jilin Province · Northeast, China · Guidebook rating: 5/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/heaven-lake-tianchi
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Included in the North and West Scenic Area admission tickets
- **Time needed:** 2–3 hours
- **Getting there:** There are two ways to reach the summit of Heaven Lake (Tianchi): take a snow vehicle from the Banshan transfer hub, or hike up from Heifeng Pass.
- **Good for:** Photography, Nature

## About Heaven Lake (Tianchi)

A sacred body of water that has captivated people for centuries, Heaven Lake is not only magnificent but also mysterious. It is China’s largest volcanic crater lake, formed naturally by volcanic eruptions. Visiting Changbai Mountain without seeing Heaven Lake would be a lifelong regret. The area is often shrouded in mist, giving it an otherworldly quality. The lake’s water is clear and calm, as if it came from beyond the human world, which highlights its spiritual charm. Because Changbai Mountain’s weather changes quickly, Heaven Lake often appears and disappears from view, adding to its alluring, fairy-tale mystery. Even in winter, the frozen white surface of the lake, set high in the mountains, is so pure that it will leave you breathless.
As the iconic landmark of Changbai Mountain, Heaven Lake is best visited in September, when the autumn scenery shows its unrivalled beauty.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Clouds and mist: The area is often covered in cloud and mist, and heavy rain and hail are common. As a result, you cannot always see the true face of Heaven Lake.
- 2. Best time to visit Heaven Lake: 11:00–13:00.
- 3. Slippery paths: From the Baitou Peak car park, it is only a few dozen metres’ walk to the summit of Baitou Mountain, where you can view Heaven Lake and take photos. You can also descend to the lakeshore and touch the water, a round trip of about 1.5 hours. The path down to the lake is very slippery, and the climb back up is even harder, so think carefully before you go!
- 4. North slope viewing: Heaven Lake is visible only about one-third of the year. Visitors heading up Tianwen Peak from the north slope can use a simple trick: if you can clearly see the three small weather station huts on Tianwen Peak from the foot of the mountain, Heaven Lake will be visible; if not, it will not. This way you will not pay ¥80 for a ride up Tianwen Peak only to find the lake hidden from view, which would be very frustrating.
- 5. West slope viewing: The best vantage point for viewing Heaven Lake on Chinese territory is on the west slope, but you cannot walk down to the lakeshore. The scenic area bus goes to the foot of the mountain, and from there you must climb 1,365 steps to get the broadest view of the lake. A China–North Korea boundary marker stands at the west slope viewpoint, so do not cross the border.
- 6. Lake monster: Heaven Lake has long been rumoured to harbour a water monster, and experts continue to debate the matter. However, recent analysis of photographs and videos of alleged sightings by scientists suggests that the so-called monster may be a large marine fish called the ocean sunfish (Mola mola), which reportedly enters the lake through an underground tunnel. The sunfish’s habits, such as circling and leaping out of the water, may have been mistaken for the behaviour of a monster.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 2228. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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